Latest update: 13/09/2011 

- France - health - Mediator - Pharmaceutical industry


Mediator: the scandal that's rocked the drug world

No Flash warning
To take advantage of all the features on FRANCE24.COM, please click here to download the latest version of Flash Player.

The Mediator affair continues to haunt France's second largest pharmaceutical, Servier. New revelations allege that the company falsified documents to get the pill marketed as a diabetic drug although they were aware of its appetite-suppressant qualities. Mediator was pulled off the shelves in 2009 by French health authorities amid concerns that it had fatal side-effects. We take a closer look at the latest developments.

FOCUS
By Katerina VITTOZZI
Libyan refugees rejected by Italy set up camp in Hamburg
12/06/2013 - GERMANY

Libyan refugees rejected by Italy set up camp in Hamburg

When the Libyan war broke out two years ago, thousands fled the country in search of security and employment. Many made their way to the island of Lampedusa in Italy, but the Italian authorities closed reception facilities, and gave the migrants a few hundred euros to leave. Now hundreds of Africans from Togo, Ghana and the Ivory Coast have set up camp in Hamburg. Our correspondents spoke to some who have taken up quarters in a church.
Kiev told to address press freedoms if it wants to join the EU
11/06/2013 - UKRAINE

Kiev told to address press freedoms if it wants to join the EU

Ukraine is being accused of attacks on freedom of expression, journalists, imprisoning opposition leaders and failing to implement promised reforms. Reporters Without Borders says it is deeply worried about journalism in the country after Ukraine slid 10 places in its press freedom rankings last year. It's all adding up to stronger criticism from the US and EU and making it less likely that Ukraine will be able to sign an Association Agreement with the EU as planned this autumn.
Race, gun control and the US justice system in the spotlight as Zimmerman trial gets underway
10/06/2013 - USA

Race, gun control and the US justice system in the spotlight as Zimmerman trial gets underway

The trial of Florida neighbourhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman began on Monday. Zimmerman stands accused of murdering 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, in February of last year. He believed Martin looked and was acting suspiciously. The case caused uproar in the United States amid allegations of racial profiling, and sparked a closer look at the country's continuing gun control debate.
Israel deemed most impoverished OECD country
07/06/2013 - ISRAEL

Israel deemed most impoverished OECD country

According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Israel has the worst poverty rate of the 34-member rich nation club. The country has often been hailed as a success story build on high-tech industries. Now the cracks are appearing. Benjamin Netanyahu's government struggled to find answers when unprecedented protests over housing costs broke out in 2011.
Women imprisoned for being raped in Somalia
06/06/2013 - SOMALIA

Women imprisoned for being raped in Somalia

In Somalia, women who fled a famine two years ago are now falling prey to rape by militias and even government troops. These attacks are taking place in displaced camps where they hoped to find refuge. An organisation is helping victims, offering counselling and legal support, but it's uphill battle in a country where speaking out against rape is still widely considered taboo. In January this year, a woman was even sent to prison after complaining that she was violated by government soldiers.

React to the article
Comment this article typing your message in the above text zone. Please note that this is limited to 1500 characters or less.
(0) Reactions
Read more
Close